UPDATE: Investigation into a fish kill off Coogee

Media release
UPDATE 4 February 2025:
The investigation into this fish kill has concluded with test results showing nothing of concern, however, DPIRD will continue to monitor the situation.
Last updated:

UPDATE 10 January 2025: Follow up enquires undertaken by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) have determined that the scaly mackerel fish which have washed up on beaches in the Coogee area in the City of Cockburn are likely due to an unintended failure of a commercial fish net.

All beaches in the City of Cockburn have been reopened and DPIRD will continue to monitor the situation over the weekend.

No further information will be available over the weekend.

Issued 9 January 2025, 4.48pm

Investigations have begun into a fish kill involving possibly several hundred scaly mackerel floating between the Woodman Point Ammo Jetty and the Omeo Wreck. 

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) officers have gathered information and samples today after reports of floating dead mackerel. With onshore winds, fish have already started washing up on Coogee Beach and could come up on other beaches in the area.

Updates will be issued if further information becomes available. In the meantime, people are reminded to stay safe around fish kills and follow this general Department of Health advice.

  • not to swim in areas of water with large numbers of dead and decomposing fish because they may contain high levels of bacteria and have an objectionable odour.
  • not to fish in water with large numbers of dead fish.
  • temporarily not to collect or consume fish from the waters near a fish kill.
  • not to collect and use dead fish for bait or consumption because of the risk of high levels of bacteria; and
  • not to allow pets and other animals to come into contact with dead or decomposing fish either in the water or on shore.

Our officers have been trained to collect fish and water samples using appropriate safe methods and equipment. The best way the public can help is by immediately reporting fish kills to the FishWatch 24/7 reporting service on 1800 815 507. That way, first responders have a higher chance of collecting fresh samples suitable for testing to help work out the cause of the fish kill.  Tell us where and what you saw, including GPS coordinates, numbers of dead fish and, if possible, the species affected. And, if you have photographs, please retain them ready for a call-back.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
DPIRD is responsible for responding to fish kill events that occur in ocean environments. DWER manages investigations on fish kills that occur in estuaries, rivers and naturally occurring inland water bodies. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions manages investigations of fish kills that occur in the Swan Canning Riverpark. In all circumstances, DPIRD’s laboratories carry out testing of any suitable fish samples and this can take some time.     

Fish kills in open ocean areas may provide less evidence of a direct cause and we explore all possible explanations. It may not be possible to identify a single definitive cause, but every effort is made to establish probable factors. More fish kills information can be found on DPIRD’s website.

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